The runners-up were Meatball, whose biggest fears are garbage bags and limes, and a 1-year-old pup named Daffodil

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Vincent, owned by Meredith and Chad Green, of Des Moines, Iowa, eats a treat after being crowned the winner of the 37th annual Drake Relays Beautiful Bulldog Contest, Sunday, April 24, 2016, in Des Moines, Iowa. The pageant kicks off the Drake Relays festivities at Drake University where a bulldog is the mascot.

The owners of Vincent, a rescued 60-pound English bulldog, aren't quite sure how old he is.

All they know is that their young pup is now a pageant king, having won the 37th annual Beautiful Bulldog contest at Drake University on Sunday.

The tongue-in-cheek contest is the opening event of the Drake Relays, a prestigious track and field meet to be held next week at Drake Stadium. Vincent, a brown-and-white pup who lives just up the road from the stadium, will serve as the meet's mascot.

The runners-up were Meatball, whose biggest fears are garbage bags and limes, and a 1-year-old pup named Daffodil. Meatball and Daffodil will serve as alternates for the Drake Relays if for some reason Vincent can't fulfill his duties — which will mostly entail photo shoots and an introduction during Saturday's opening ceremony.

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Vincent was a first-time contestant after his owners adopted him from the Illinois English Bulldog Rescue organization in February.

"It popped up and we were like, 'Let's give it a try!'" Vincent's owner, Meredith Green of Des Moines, said.

The slate of competitors was down five from previous years after a few scratches and the recent death of Linus the Lovebug, last year's winner in the "Best Dressed" category.

Deliylah, who competed in 2013 and 2014, gave birth to four puppies on the day of last year's pageant contest — and she and three of her puppies took part Sunday. She won the "Drake Spirit" award for making it back to the stage after a one-year absence.

More than 53,000 pets were adopted through the 2016 Clear the Shelters campaign, a nationwide push to place deserving animals in forever homes. Join the conversation on social media using #ClearTheShelters.